# The effects of Baduanjin intervention on balance, lower limb strength, gait biomechanics and risks of fall among elderly

## TL;DR

This study shows that Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise, improves balance and reduces fall risks in older adults more effectively than walking.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates that Baduanjin is more effective than walking for improving balance and reducing fall risks in the elderly.

## Key findings

- Baduanjin improved sway path balance, especially in the coronal plane.
- Baduanjin enhanced gait symmetry and knee extensor strength.
- Participants in the Baduanjin group had reduced fall risks over six months.

## Abstract

Falls have been significantly associated with accidental deaths among individuals over 60 years. Therefore, improving balance function is critical in geriatric rehabilitation. This study explored the impacts of Baduanjin on the risk of falls in terms of balance, isometric knee joint strength, and gait parameters.

Forty-two Chinese individuals were randomly divided into the Baduanjin group or walking group. Their gait, balance, lower limb strength, and fall risks were assessed at pre-, mid- and post-intervention. Any falls they experienced for the next six months were recorded. The data of this study were collected at Shanxi Normal University from September 2023 to January 2024.

The Baduanjin group demonstrated improved performance in the sway path balance test compared to the control group, particularly in the coronal plane (p < 0.05). In addition, the Baduanjin intervention enhanced the participants' gait symmetry during early and mid-stance gait phases and their maximum isometric strength of the knee extensor (p < 0.05).

Baduanjin intervention is more effective in improving balance and preventing falls among the elderly than walking at the same intensity.

•Baduanjin intervention improved knee muscle strength among older adults.•Baduanjin intervention improved gait symmetry and balance among older adults.•Baduanjin intervention reduced the risk of falls among older adults.

Baduanjin intervention improved knee muscle strength among older adults.

Baduanjin intervention improved gait symmetry and balance among older adults.

Baduanjin intervention reduced the risk of falls among older adults.